Courteous Kids During Thanksgiving Prayer

What do kids need to know about how to act during a prayer?

It’s been a few weeks since our last free video on how to wash hands, so we think it’s time for another. Don’t you? Of course you do! And this one comes just in time to teach your kids for Thanksgiving.

Being respectful of others’ beliefs is an important lesson, so start teaching your kids now. Watch the video to learn the top 3 things they need to know about being courteous during Thanksgiving prayer — and beyond.


What to Do During the Thanksgiving Prayer


We know you’re not always able to watch, so here’s the scoop…

Manners and etiquette are pretty important. They’re one of the tools we use to foster relationships and speak love to other people. Over the last 15 years, I’ve taught Polite Kids 101 classes (and you can, too!) to help children learn how to be the best they can be.

Manners and etiquette are important to teach kids about how to treat people. What do they need to know? What do you need to teach them? Find out here!

In these Polite Kids 101 classes, students learn how to pass food around the table, serve themselves, and decline politely. In one Girl Scout Brownie class I taught, I witnessed a moment I’ll never forget. Watch the video to hear the whole story!

For many, saying grace before a meal is as natural as buttering your bread. Others express their gratitude for food, friends, and life differently. No matter how each of us chooses to express it, the lesson is as simple as can be:


1. Respect tradition

Whether it’s your family’s tradition or not, show respect to others by quietly letting them practice at the table what they choose — that’s not too difficult. If your family or a friend’s family starts to pray a thanksgiving prayer, then you can choose to honor them by quietly bowing your head as well, taking hands, or just remaining silent as they pray.


2. Value friendship

When you value the friendship first, respect comes naturally. No need for huge discussions or taking a vote. Keep it simple and show your respect with your actions.


3. Behave well

It’s always rude to be disrespectful to others, no matter what they wear, what they do, or what they believe. Adapting gracefully to whatever you encounter — and showing respect and honor — will always be the ultimate in good manners.

No matter how you choose to spend it, we hope you have a happy, wonderful Thanksgiving!

So… want some more freebies? You do? Great. You’ll want to go here:


Thanksgiving Table Manners Tips for Kids and a free printable from https://smartkids101.com

And if you’re wanting even more on teaching your kids table manners (and more) the easy way, please check out Polite Kids 101. It’s never been more simple to teach your kids the Thanksgiving prayer etiquette they need to know!

Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest… Here’s our Thanksgiving board to get you started:

Follow Smart Kids 101: Babysitting, Safety, and Manners Training’s board Thanksgiving Ideas for Kids and Families on Pinterest.

Happy Thanksgiving, friends!


READ NEXT: 9 Etiquette Rules for Kids – That Help Everyone Eating Out

About Aubrey Hunt
Before hopping on the crazy ride we call motherhood, I studied engineering and taught math and science to middle and high school students. Now, perhaps like you, I fill my days singing The Itsy Bitsy Spider and praying my preschooler will eat a vegetable — any vegetable!